Photo: Pam Baker, 2024 recipient, Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design
When Pam Baker (Himikalas/Sewid-duuk) received the 2024 Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design, her design which are rooted in traditional Indigenous forms and expressed through contemporary fashion, were celebrated across the province. That recognition amplified her voice and her practice, inspiring others and affirming the cultural and creative leadership she continues to share with British Columbia.
Photo: Wendy Toyer, 2024 Community Award recipient
Pam’s story is joined by others. Wendy Toyer, honoured with the 2024 Community Award, has dedicated decades of volunteer work and mentorship to raising ALS awareness and providing support for families impacted by the disease. Her efforts have strengthened networks of care and resilience across BC.
Photo (left to right): 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art recipients Kelly Cannell, James Hart, 71DANsuu, and Stephanie Anderson
James Hart, 71DANsuu, celebrated with the Award of Distinction in the 2024 Polygon Award in First Nations Art, is one of the most accomplished Haida artists of his generation. His monumental carvings and mentorship of emerging artists have advanced cultural knowledge and inspired new voices in First Nations art.
Each of these awardees shows how recognition matters—not just to them personally, but to the communities and audiences their work touches.
Celebrating Excellence Across BC
This fall, BC Achievement will honour the 2025 recipients across its five award programs, each reflecting the values and strengths that shape our province:
- Community Award – recognizing service and leadership that make life better for others.
- BC Reconciliation Award – celebrating efforts that further reconciliation and strengthen relationships.
- Indigenous Business Award – uplifting innovation, leadership, and economic empowerment.
- Polygon Award in First Nations Art – showcasing artistic excellence and traditional knowledge.
- Sam Carter Award in Applied Art + Design – supporting creative innovation in applied art and design.
The upcoming celebrations will add new stories to the legacy of recipients like Pam, Wendy, and James—individuals whose recognition has already inspired British Columbians across communities, industries, and generations.
Why Nominate?
Recognition does more than honour one person, it validates contributions, amplifies impact, and sparks inspiration. For many awardees, the award becomes a platform to share their work more broadly, to build new connections, and to mentor others.
By nominating someone in your community, you help ensure their story is told and their impact is celebrated. You help say: your work matters, and we see you.
Nominations Now Open
Nominations for the 2026 award programs are open until February 15, 2026. Beginning the process now gives you time to gather letters of support, collect materials, and prepare a strong submission.
Visit bcachievement.com to learn more, view past awardees, and begin your nomination. Let’s continue to #RecognizeRemarkable, one story at a time.
BC Achievement: Elevate Excellence. Share Success. Inspire Change.